The Emmys Squandered Beloved First-Time Host Mariska Hargitay
The beloved 'SVU' star and first woman to host the telecast in 15 years was, well, just OK.
On September 14, 2026, Mariska Hargitay hosted the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California. Prior to the ceremony, rumors circulated that basketball star Jalen Brunson would be working with Hargitay on a pre-recorded introduction. While the two did appear together in the opening moments, Hargitay quickly took center stage for the majority of the event.
The 8-minute opening segment was a far cry from Hargitay's energetic persona, featuring awkward pairings and uninspired jokes. Despite her status as a beloved actress known for her work on Law & Order: SVU, Hargitay seemed more of a friendly companion than a strong host. Her monologue focused on her personal experiences rather than engaging with the material at hand.
The ceremony itself was overly reliant on cameos and big-name guests, rather than showcasing the talents of the nominees. Hargitay's hosting duties were overshadowed by the impressive performances of other presenters, including John Mulaney and Andrew Rannells. While there were some touching moments, such as the tribute to Catherine O'Hara's on-screen children, the overall telecast fell short of expectations.
Hargitay's efforts to avoid a repeat of previous disastrous Emmy hosts like Nate Bargatze and Jalen Brunson were successful, but the event ultimately left much to be desired.
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